BIO-296 Animal Communication (To be updated in Spring 2021)
This course is a Biology elective course for students interested in animal behavior, behavioral ecology, physiology, psychology, and cognitive sciences that provide an integrative approach to the study of animal communication. We will explore different designs and modes of communication, but focus primarily on unique adaptations for acoustic communication in a variety of environments. The course will begin by introducing students to the different modes and mechanisms of animal communication. After this introduction we will focus on the use of sound to communicate, beginning with an introduction to basic concepts about the physics of sound and how animals have evolved behaviors and anatomical features that enhance signal transmission and reception in changing environments. We will explore the major evolutionary and ecological factors that have shape signal emission and processing by exploring the diversity of acoustic communication strategies in different animals, from the tiny water boatman insect to the large blue whale. Through presentations and discussion of current scientific research students will learn about the basic mechanisms of signal emission and reception, how animals optimize information transfer, and about the reliability and deception in acoustic signal systems. In the lab students will obtain basic skills on acoustic monitoring and acoustic analysis and develop their own research project.
The learning goals of this course are:
The learning goals of this course are:
- Understand the basic concepts of the physics of sound: sound wave anatomy, types of sound waves, propagation media, Doppler effect, and transmission loss.
- Learn about the morphological and physiological adaptations for sound emission and reception across animal groups.
- Apply evolutionary principles to understand the wide diversity of animal acoustic communication strategies.
- Appreciate the importance of acoustic communication to understand other aspect of animal biology.
- Get students familiar with the various field and analysis methods to study animal acoustic communication.
- Be able to critically analyze literature of 'hot topics' by synthesizing literature and forming own opinions for class discussion.
